A blister is a raised patch of skin that contains fluid. This fluid, called serum, may be clear. There are also some cases when the fluid is composed of blood or pus. Blisters may be caused by many factors such as irritation Ė both physical and chemical, skin infection like allergic contact dermatitis, and medical conditions like chicken pox and herpes.

Blisters on the feet are most commonly caused by intense rubbing against an object. Because of friction, the skin experiences trauma. This results in the separation of the epidermis and the dermis. Bodily fluids then leak into this gap. This fluid acts as a protection of the forming layer of skin underneath. It cushions it until it has fully healed. After the period of healing has elapsed, the fluid will then get reabsorbed into the body. A scab will form and then peel away, revealing new skin.

Some blisters may be painful while others are not. Moreover, the surrounding area may become red and swollen depending on the severity of the case. Blisters may also be small or large and form singly or in huge clusters. In general, blisters are filled with a clear liquid. However, if the liquid is bloody, this means that a sudden intense force caused it. If the liquid consists of yellowish or greenish pus, the blister is probably infected and you may develop a fever as your bodyís defense mechanism against this infection.

Small blisters are best left alone to heal. Apply some antibiotic on them and cover them with a soft bandage. You may also put petroleum jelly or talcum powder on the part of the shoe that causes blisters in order to reduce friction.

You may also purchase a moleskin, which is a small adhesive patch of cloth, from a drugstore. Cut a hole in the middle of the moleskin thatís bigger than your blister. Stick the moleskin on your skin with the hole over your blister then cover it with a soft bandage.

It is better to let your foot blisters drain by themselves. If they do get punctured, donít remove the loose flap of skin since this serves as the protection of the forming skin underneath it. Large blisters, on the other hand, should be drained. Sterilize a needle by holding it over a flame until it is red hot then wet it with alcohol. Using the sterilized needle, pop the blister and make the hole wide enough so that it would not reseal. Apply some antibiotic on the area and put a soft bandage on it.

If your blisters get infected, see a doctor immediately. He/she will prescribe you with antibiotics in order to combat the infection, treat your blisters, and reduce the chances of a recurrent outbreak.

The treatment of foot blisters is not that hard. Just donít let them get infected. However, prevention is even easier than treatment. In order to prevent blisters from forming on your feet, make sure that you use footwear that are comfortable. Wear socks when using closed shoes. Keep your feet dry at all times since blisters form more commonly on moist and warm skin.

If you still need some advanced treatment for foot blisters, try this band-aids: